Canadian diocese to close confessionals during flu pandemic

Published: 19 February 2007

Catholics will not be able to receive communion on the tongue and no
confessions will be allowed in enclosed confessionals, according to
draft influenza pandemic guidelines prepared by a Canadian diocese.

Canadian Catholic News
reports that in an endeavour to be ready for a pandemic disaster, the
Diocese of Edmonton is working on guidelines that also stipulate that
confession is to be held with the confessor and penitent sitting at
least a meter apart, each wearing face masks.

In a worst-case scenario, church services would be cancelled altogether.

Those
are just some of the stipulations laid out in a draft of Archdiocesan
Influenza Pandemic Planning Guidelines now being circulated.

"The
only thing tougher than planning for a disaster is explaining why you
didn't," said Rita Sandmaier, the pastoral-care minister who drew up
the draft guidelines.

The world is currently in a pandemic alert
phase for the Avian flu H5N1 virus. In 2006, there were 116 cases of
the Avian flu reported around the world, resulting in 80 deaths. About
half of those cases were in Indonesia, with growing numbers in Egypt
and China.

The disease is still being transmitted only from
animals to humans. But if it mutates and begins being spread among
humans, then a pandemic will be underway, Sandmaier said.

Each of the three pandemics of the 20th century was different.

The Spanish flu of 1918-19 killed 40 to 50 million people. It mainly affected young healthy adults.

The
Asian flu pandemic of 1957-58 led to between 1 and 2 million deaths.
Infection rates were highest among school children, young adults and
pregnant women.

The Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 killed about 700,000 people worldwide. Those over 65 years of age were most likely to die.

"We hope that (the Avian flu) never mutates, but you never know," Sandmaier said.

"Statistically, we are due for a pandemic."

In fact, experts predict another influenza pandemic will occur within the next five to 10 years.

According to the draft Edmonton guidelines, a pandemic alert will mean many changes to slow the spread of the disease.

There
will be no collection baskets, she said, because money tends to be
dirty. Some churches plan to accept donations in locked boxes which
remain closed for at least three days to give viruses time to die.

The
distribution of Communion will be greatly affected under the proposed
guidelines. Those who handle hosts prior to Mass will have to wear
disposable gloves and masks.

As well, there will be no blessings given to non-communicants.

Under
the draft guidelines, the church may move to "alternate forms of
worship" for Sundays. Parishioners will be reminded of the duty to keep
Sundays holy. If public gatherings are banned, a simple Liturgy of the
Word will be distributed to parishioners.